Birefringence Imaging System


  • Measurements of Retardance and Azimuth (Fast Axis Orientation) in Flat Samples
  • Stress- and Strain-Induced Birefringence Imaging
  • Measure Ø20 mm Field of View in <20 s
  • Additional Sample Mounting Accessories Available

LCC7201B

Birefringence Imaging System

(Laptop Not Included)

Sample Measurement Results Using the LCC7201B Software

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Sam Tesfai
Sam Tesfai
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Thorlabs Imaging Systems

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Features

  • Built-In 633 nm LED Light Source
  • Measures Sample Retardance up to a Half-Wave (316 nm) and Azimuths up to ±90°
  • Ø20 mm Field of View
  • Included with the LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System
    • MLS203P2 Sample Holder
    • Sample Holder Adapters for Ø1/2", Ø1", and 2" x 2" Optics
    • Software (See Software Tab for Details)
  • Optional Sample Mounting Accessories Offered Below
    • MSB2328(/M) Breadboard
    • MPSHA1 Slide Holder Insert or Recording Chamber Adapter
    • MPSH2 and MPSH2SS Slide Holder Inserts
    • MLS203-1 Fast XY Scanning Stage
    • LPXY1 Low-Profile XY Scanning Stage
  • Custom Operating Wavelengths by Contacting Tech Support

The LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System measures stress- and strain-induced birefringence in flat samples for a variety of applications ranging from materials and biological research to product assurance (see the Applications tab for examples). This system is designed for use in academic research, medical diagnostics, industrial manufacturing, and product quality assurance. Since it is based on a liquid crystal device, there is no internal mechanical movement, leading to very stable, vibration-free operation.

The illumination wavelength of the standard imaging system is 633 nm. This wavelength can be customized from 488 nm to 780 nm by contacting Tech Support. The system provides a Ø20 mm field of view and measures retardance up to a half-wave (316 nm) and azimuths up to ±90°. The specifications of the LCC7201B system are outlined in the Specs tab. 

A Windows®-based software package is included with the LCC7201B system that contains every feature needed for system control and data acquisition. To view additional information about this system's software features and sample measurement results, please refer to the Software tab above.

For applications requiring imaging with higher spatial resolution, our CM50x Cerna® Birefringence Imaging Microscopes offer the same retardance and azimuth range and accuracy, with a 1.055 μm spatial resolution using the included 10X objective. 

Sample Mounting Options
For sample viewing, the LCC7201B system includes Thorlabs' MLS203P2 Sample Holder. It also includes three sample holder adapters that are sized to hold Ø1/2”, Ø1”, and 2” x 2” optics. The MLS203P2 sample holder provides manual adjustment in the X direction, which is useful for samples larger than the Ø20 mm field of view. For sample rotation, the standard sample stage can be replaced with the MSB2328(/M) breadboard and MPSHA1 adapter. Additionally, larger samples can be scanned by upgrading the system with Thorlabs' MLS203-1 Fast XY Scanning Stage or LPXY1 Low-Profile XY Scanning Stage, which provide manual and motorized adjustment in both the X and Y directions. Examples of sample mounting options are shown below.


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LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System with MLS203-1 Motorized Scanning Stage (not included) and included MLS203P2 Sample Holder.

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LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System with MSB2328/M Aluminum Breadboard, MPSHA1 Slide Holder Insert Adapter, and MPSH2 Slide Holder Insert. Breadboard, adapter, and insert are not included with the imaging system.

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LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System with Rigid Sample Stage and MLS203P2 Sample Holder. The stage and sample holder are included with the imaging system.
LCC7201B Specifications
Light Source Wavelengtha 633 nm
Measurement Range Retardance Standard Retardance Range: 0 nm to 316 nm
Low Retardance Range: 0 nm to 100 nm
Azimuth ±90°
Measurement Accuracy Retardance Standard Retardance Range: ±10 nm
Low Retardance Range: ±1 nm
Azimuth Standard Retardance Range: ±3°
Low Retardance Range: ±1°
Measurement Rate <20 s (Based on Default Camera Settings)
Field of View Ø20 mm
Spatial Resolution 9.77 μm
Interfaces USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
Imager Resolution 2448 x 2048 Pixels
Dimensions (D x W x H) 500.0 mm x 360.0 mm x 672.0 mm 
Weight 25 kg (55.1 lbs)
Operating Temperature 0 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature -15 °C to 65 °C
Included Accessories Sample Holder Adapters,
Birefringent Resolution Target (Item # R3L1S1B)
  • Customizable upon request. Contact Tech Support for details.

Software

Version 2.2.5

Click the button below to visit the LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System software page.

Software Download

The LCC7201B system includes a Windows®-based software package that contains every feature needed for system control and data acquisition. Please click the Software button to the right to download the latest software for this system.

Features

  • Standard and Low Noise Modes for Retardance Measurements
  • Selectable Rectangular or Circular Region of Interest (ROI)
  • Adjustable Dynamic Camera Settings (Gain, Exposure Time, Black Levels)
  • Overexposure Detection
  • Auto Adjustment of Light Source Level
  • 1D, 2D, and 3D Measurement Result Displays
  • Data Output in Binary, CSV, and Image (PNG and TIFF) Formats

The LCC7201B software includes two modes, Standard Mode and Low-Noise Mode, to measure a sample's retardance. Standard Mode provides a higher measurement rate with a lower signal-to-noise ratio, while Low Noise Mode provides a lower measurement rate with a higher signal-to-noise ratio. An exposure time of 10 ms is set as the default, which allows a measurement to be finished within 20 seconds in Standard Mode and 4 minutes in Low Noise Mode.

These two modes provide two ranges of measurement accuracy: Standard Retardance Range and Low Retardance Range. Standard Retardance provides a measurement accuracy of ±10 nm for retardances in the 0 nm to 316 nm range and ±3° for azimuths over the entire measurement range. Low Retardance Range will improve the measurement accuracy to ±1 nm for retardances in the 0 nm to 100 nm range and ±1° for azimuths over the entire measurement range. The mimimum exposure time is 0.021 ms, and the maximum exposure time is 7330 ms.

Below are screenshots from the included user interface, showing the different measurement display modes available. The Preview, 1D, 2D, and 3D views are all of a plastic ruler (stress-induced birefringence).


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Camera Preview Showing Edge of Plastic Ruler

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Azimuth 3D View

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Retardance with Azimuth Vector 2D View

Application Image Gallery

Thorlabs’ LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System is a powerful tool to understand the birefringent properties of many materials. It provides quick and easy birefringence measurements, which can be applied to research in fields such as industrial manufacturing, biology, and medicine. Click on the tabs below to see some applications of this birefringence imaging system. 

Birefringence Imaging System Publications

2022

 

Sergey I. Kudryashov, Pavel A. Danilov, Alexey E. Rupasov, Mikhail P. Smayev, Nikita A. Smirnov, Vladimir V. Kesaev, Andrey N. Putilin, Michael S. Kovalev, Roman A. Zakoldaev, and Sergey A. Gonchukov, "Direct laser writing regimes for bulk inscription of polarization-based spectral microfilters and fabrication of microfluidic bio/chemosensor in bulk fused silica," Laser Physics Letters 19, no. 6 (2022): 065602.

2021

 

Megan Lynn Morgan, Craig Brideau, Wulin Teo, Andrew Vincent Caprariello, Peter K. Stys, "Label-free assessment of myelin status using birefringence microscopy," Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 360, p. 109226 (2021).


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Birefringence Imaging System


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The back panel of the LCC7201B provides USB 2.0 Type-B and USB 3.0 Micro B ports for connecting the system to a PC, a service switch, a power supply input, and a power switch.
  • Built-In 633 nm LED Light Source
  • Measures Sample Retardance up to a Half-Wave (316 nm) and Azimuths up to ±90°
  • Ø20 mm Field of View
  • Windows®-Based Software Package Included (See Software Tab for Details)
  • Included Sample Holders
    • MLS203P2 Sample Holder
    • Sample Holder Adapters for Ø1/2", Ø1", and 2" x 2" Optics

The LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System measures stress- and strain-induced birefringence in flat samples for a variety of applications ranging from materials and biological research to product assurance (see the Applications tab for examples).

The system includes a rigid stage and adapters to hold Ø1/2", Ø1", and 2" x 2" samples. For a wider variety of sample shapes and applications requiring motorized scanning or rotation, additional accessories are available below. 

In addition to the sample holder adapters, the LCC7201B system comes with a DS12 12 VDC power supply, region-specific power cord, USB Drive with Software and Manual, USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B Cable, USB 3.0 A to Micro B Cable and a R3L1S1B Birefringent 1951 USAF Test Target. A Windows®-based computer (not included) is required for operation.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LCC7201B Support Documentation
LCC7201BCustomer Inspired! Birefringence Imaging System
$32,130.00
Lead Time
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Sample Mounting Accessories - Optional

  • Breadboards Provide Flexible Mounting Platform
  • Adapter for Holding Recording Chambers and Slide Holder Inserts
  • Slide Holder Insert for Holding Microscope Slides

For samples requiring rotation or greater flexbility in mounting, the MSB2328(/M) Aluminum Breadboards, MPSHA1 Slide Holder Insert and Recording Chamber Adapter, and aluminum (Item # MPSH2) or stainless steel (Item # MPSH2SS) Slide Holder Inserts are available for use with the LCC7201B birefringence imaging system.

The MSB2328(/M) breadboards have four M5 counterbored mounting holes positioned to allow the breadboards to be mounted in the LCC7201B system. The 1.97" (50.0 mm) central aperture of the breadboards is aligned with the optical axis of the imaging system.

The MPSHA1 adapter is designed for convenient mounting of a recording chamber in the optical path of an LCC7201B system with an integrated MSB2328(/M) breadboard. The adapter can be attached to the breadboard with four 1/4"-20 (M6) screws. The top platform has a Ø110 mm opening with a 5 mm wide lip and four clamps to securely mount a recording chamber in the optical path. Alternatively, the MPSH2 and MPSH2SS slide holder inserts are available for mounting a microscope slide (up to 26.0 mm x 76.2 mm). The MPSH2 insert has a nonmagnetic aluminum base plate while the MPSH2SS insert is stainless steel, which is ideal in setups where a magnetic surface is needed.

For custom plate inserts, please contact Tech Support.

Breadboard Specifications
Item # Top Surface Dimensions Breadboard Thickness Central Aperture Diameter Hole Threading and Spacing Distance from Edge to First Hole Number of Counterbored Holes Material Finish Flatness
MSB2328 9.06" x 11.02" 0.37" 1.97" 8-32 Taps with 1/2" Spacing and 1/4"-20 Taps with 1" Spacinga 0.51" from the Short Edges and 0.53" from the Long Edges Four M5b Aluminum Plate Matte Black Anodized ±0.010" (0.25 mm) over Entire Surface
MSB2328/M 230 mm x
280 mm
9.5 mm 50.0 mm M4 Taps with 12.5 mm Spacing and M6 Taps with 25 mm Spacinga 15 mm on All Sides Four M5b Aluminum Plate Matte Black Anodized ±0.010" (0.25 mm) over Entire Surface
  • Note that the 8-32 (M4) and 1/4"-20 (M6) grids overlap.
  • Aligned with Taps in LCC7201B Birefringence Imaging System 
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
MSB2328 Support Documentation
MSB2328Customer Inspired! Aluminum Breadboard for LCC7201B, 230 mm x 280 mm x 9.5 mm, Ø50 mm Access Hole, 8-32 and 1/4"-20 Taps
$192.78
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MPSHA1 Support Documentation
MPSHA1Customer Inspired! Slide Holder Adapter Insert
$283.82
Today
MPSH2 Support Documentation
MPSH2Low-Profile Slide Holder Insert for Recording Chamber Holder, Aluminum
$192.17
Today
MPSH2SS Support Documentation
MPSH2SSLow-Profile Slide Holder Insert for Recording Chamber Holder, Stainless Steel
$514.04
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
MSB2328/M Support Documentation
MSB2328/MCustomer Inspired! Aluminum Breadboard for LCC7201B, 230 mm x 280 mm x 9.5 mm, Ø50 mm Access Hole, M4 and M6 Taps
$192.78
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Motorized XY Scanning Stages

Key Specifications
Item # MLS203-1 LPXY1
Travel Range 110 mm x 75 mm (4.3" x 2.95")
Velocity (Max) 250 mm/s 25 mm/s
Acceleration (Max) 2000 mm/s2 400 mm/s2
Bidirectional Repeatability 0.25 µm <±1.5 µm
Unidirectional Repeatability 0.25 µm <±1.5 µm
Horizontal Load Capacity (Max)a 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Min Achievable Incremental Movement 0.1 µm
Home Location Accuracy 0.25 µm <±2.5 µm
On-Axis Accuracy <3 µmc <±5.0 µmb
Dimensions (Mid Travel, Excluding Guards) 260.0 mm x 230.0 mm x 31.3 mm
(10.24" x 9.06" x 1.23")
310.1 mm x 255.6 mm x 32.3 mm
(12.21" x 10.06" x 1.27")
  • Depending on the application, heavy loads may affect the stage performance and/or stability.
  • Calibrated On-Axis Accuracy
  • Absolute On-Axis Accuracy

The MLS203-1 and LPXY1 XY scanning stages can be used as drop-in replacements for the manual stage found on the LCC7201B system and provide motorized XY positioning of microscopy samples. We also offer a range of slide holders to allow the positioning of standard microscope slides, multiwell plates, petri dishes, and mounted metallurgical specimens.

The recommended controller for the MLS203 stage is the BBD302 dual-axis Brushless DC Motor Controller. An APT GUI interface ships with each controller. The stage is also compatible with µManager, which is open-source software for controlling microscopes and peripherals, and Molecular Devices' MetaMorph, which is software that provides automated acquisition, control, and image analysis. The recommended controller for the LPXY1 scanning stage is the BSC202 Two-Channel Benchtop Stepper Motor Controller, which features Thorlabs' Kinesis® control and programming interface.

For more details on the MLS203-1 or LPXY1 scanning stage and their corresponding accessories, please see the full presentation for our high-speed motorized XY scanning stages and low-profile motorized XY scanning stages, respectively. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
MLS203-1 Support Documentation
MLS203-1High-Speed, Low-Profile Motorized XY Scanning Stage, 110 mm x 75 mm Travel
$8,267.95
7-10 Days
LPXY1 Support Documentation
LPXY1Low-Profile Motorized XY Scanning Stage, 110 mm x 75 mm Travel
$4,794.00
Lead Time